The dramatic
increase in the prevalence of autism spectrum conditions among children and
adolescents and the correspondingly large number of youth transitioning into
adulthood has created an urgent need to address the mental health problems
faced by many adults on the autism spectrum. Nearly a half million youth with
autism will enter adulthood over the next decade and most will continue to
require some level of support. Although autism symptoms may improve
with age, co-occurring mental health issues may worsen in adolescence or
adulthood. As a result, there are a sizable number of adults who are now
seeking help to deal with feelings of social isolation, interpersonal
difficulties, anxiety, depressed mood, and coping problems. Unfortunately,
mental health problems such as anxiety and depression and even the diagnosis of
an autism spectrum condition itself often go unrecognized. It is only recently that mental health
professionals have begun to appreciate the complex challenges faced by a “lost
generation” of adults with autism spectrum conditions such as Asperger syndrome
who were unidentified in childhood and have now become an underserved group.

Evidence is beginning to emerge for
interventions addressing the mental health needs of this growing and overlooked
population of adults, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT has
direct applicability to more capable adults with on the spectrum who have
difficulty understanding, managing, and expressing emotions. It has been shown
to be effective in changing the way a person thinks about and responds to
feelings such as anxiety and depression. With CBT, the individual learns skills
to modify thoughts and beliefs through a variety of strategies which improve
interaction with others in helpful and appropriate ways, thereby promoting
self-regulation and mental health. It is a goal-oriented approach and primarily
emphasizes here-and-now problems, regardless of one’s history, traits, or
diagnosis. CBT also provides a more structured approach than other types of
psychotherapy, relies less on insight and judgment than other models, and
focuses on practical problem-solving. Low intensity CBT holds considerable
promise as an effective intervention for improving the quality of life and
psychological well-being of many adults with autism spectrum conditions.

Award-winning author Dr. Lee A. Wilkinson's book presents strategies derived from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), adapted specifically for autistic adults with mild symptoms who struggle with social communications skills, to help them manage anxiety, and depression, and improve their psychological well-being. This self-help guide is written for individuals in the early and middle years of adulthood, with and without a formal diagnosis, who share features associated with autism spectrum conditions. It is also appropriate for adults who recognize their autistic traits, even though they may not have experienced major social difficulties and clinical impairment, but who want to improve their emotional well-being.

The author takes the best of CBT therapeutic techniques to facilitate greater self-understanding, self-advocacy, and better decision-making in life-span activities such as employment and interpersonal relationships. Accessible and easy-to-read, this self-help guide provides evidence-based tools that can be used to learn new self-fulfilling ways of thinking, feeling, and doing while embracing one's individuality and uniqueness. It includes questionnaires, forms/worksheets, and exercises to help the reader:

Evaluate his or her autistic traits and discover their cognitive style.

Identify and modify the thoughts and beliefs that underlie and maintain the cycles of anxiety, depression, and anger.

Avoid procrastination and learn to maintain the positive changes to their progress.

Honored as an Award-Winning Finalist in the “Health: Psychology/Mental Health” category of the 2016 Best Book Awards, Overcoming Anxiety and Depression on the Autism Spectrum: A Self-Help Guide Using CBT is an essential self-help book for adults on the higher end of the autism spectrum, and those who think they might be on the spectrum, looking for ways to understand and cope with their emotional challenges and improve their psychological well-being. Family members, friends, and others touched by autism will also find this self-help book a valuable resource.

'From his many years as an autism professional and cognitive-behavioural therapist, Dr Wilkinson shows an excellent understanding of perceptions and thought processes of people on the autism spectrum, which he explains so clearly in a way people on the autism spectrum can relate to. This book will not only help people on the autism spectrum to gain a stronger understanding of who they are, but also offers a way to overcome anxiety and depression by working with their thought processes rather than attempting to 'banish' or 'cure' them. An important resource for a group of people whose needs are not static.' - Chris Mitchell, author of Mindful Living with Asperger’s Syndrome and Asperger’s Syndrome and Mindfulness

'Overcoming Anxiety and Depression on the Autism Spectrum will be of great value to people with autism spectrum conditions who experience anxiety and depression. It is a self-help guide which provides practical advice on living well, tailored to individuals on the autism spectrum. Using strategies based around Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, it offers a positive approach to managing anxiety and depression.' - Jeanette Purkis, autism and mental health self-advocate, author of Finding a Different Kind of Normal: Misadventures with Asperger Syndrome, and The Wonderful World of Work: A Workbook for Asperteens

'When people ask me if there is anything I'd change about my Asperger syndrome, I offer this firm reply: I'd like to shackle and disable my anxiety and depression. They work together as twin dragons bent on disabling confident and reliable thinking. Wilkinson's accurate analysis and applicable supports give me hope and more reason to keep working on defeating these nasties.' - Liane Holliday Willey, author of Pretending to be Normal and Safety Skills for Asperger Women

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The objective of bestpracticeautism.com is to advocate, educate, and informby providing a best practice guide to the screening, assessment, and intervention for school-age children on the autism spectrum. Timely articles and postings include topics such as screening, evaluation, positive behavior support (PBS), self-management, educational planning, IEP development, gender differences, evidence-based interventions (EBI) and more. This site also features up-to-date information on scientifically validated treatment options for children with ASD and a list of best practice books, articles, and links to organizations. Designed to be a practical and useful resource, bestpracticeautism.com offers essential information for psychologists, teachers, counselors, advocates and attorneys, special education professionals, and parents.

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Praise for "A Best Practice Guide..."

“It is rare that one book can pack so many resources and easy to digest information into a single volume! Families, school personnel, and professionals all need the extensive, and up-to-date tips, guides, and ‘must-knows’ provided here. It’s obvious the author is both a seasoned researcher and practitioner – a winning combination.” - Dr. Debra Moore, psychologist and co-author with Dr. Temple Grandin, of The Loving Push: How Parents & Professionals Can Help Spectrum Kids Become Successful Adult

“Dr Wilkinson has done it again. This updated and scholarly Second Edition reflects important recent changes regarding diagnosis and services for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. With its numerous best-practice suggestions, it is a must-read for school psychologists, school social workers, and those who teach in general and special education.” - Dr Steven Landau, Professor of School Psychology in the Department of Psychology, Illinois State University

“This book is an essential resource for every educator that works with students with ASD! The easy-to-read format is complete with up to date research on evidence-based practices for this population, sample observation and assessment worksheets and case studies that allow the reader to apply the information presented.” - Gena P. Barnhill, PhD, NCSP, BCBA-D, LBA, Director of Special Education Programs at Lynchburg College, Lynchburg, VA

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